Bariatric Centers of Excellence

I put this info together in response to a post, but then realized that others may need it as well.

I would suggest finding out more about the prospective hospital at
http://www.surgicalreview.org/locate.aspx?state=US-MS#srchResults.

The type of facility you want to find is one that is designated as a "Bariatric Center of Excellence" (also known as BSCOE).

Is your facility and/or doctor certified in this? If not, why?

Here is a list of insurance companies who prefer Bariatric Centers of Excellence
http://www.surgicalreview.org/v4ePatients.aspx

Look over the criteria. Even if you choose to use another facility, it will give you an idea of some great questions to ask at your seminar. Scroll down to the bottom of the page, section ASMBS Centers of excellence. My surgeon also met additional criteria as well. But the most important statistic he had was that he has performed almost 1,000 bariatric surgeries and ZERO fatilities!
http://www.asmbs.org/Newsite07/media/asmbs_fs.pdf

This is the organiziation that gives out this designation.
http://www.asbs.org/

I hope this helps!

~ Tammy